DoD News

News Article

Public Service Recognition Week Set May 6-12

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Feb. 22, 1996  The 10th annual Public Service Recognition Week is set May 612. As in the past, federal, state and local governments will host open houses, award ceremonies, teachins and many other events to highlight the contributions of government workers.

DoD encourages all installations to participate in the week. In Washington, the main event will be on the National Mall. DoD and about 70 other government agencies will place displays on the area between the Washington Monument and the Capitol. Last year, more than 100,000 people visited the displays.

DoDs kickoff for the week will be May 6 at the Pentagon. Defense Secretary William J. Perry, the service secretaries and the department's director of administration and management, David O. Cooke, will participate.

Vice President Al Gore will host opening ceremonies for the displays on the National Mall May 9.

The Public Employees Roundtable sponsors the event each year. As part of the festivities, the group will announce the recipients of this years public service excellence awards. Last year, the Defense Support Supply Center in Philadelphia received the award for the federal level.

Jurisdictions around the country will host events. Houston is doing a huge celebration, according to Roundtable executive director, Jo Wright. Also Maine will sponsor tours for schoolchildren to show them what public service employees do and encourage them to consider public service as a career.

Some overseas military bases and embassies have expressed an interest in commemorating the week. For free kits, books and posters, call the Public Employees Roundtable at (202) 9275000.